USTCC at Laguna Seca
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Concord, CA
USTCC at Laguna Seca
Please visit my website at www.prima-racing.com You can find the article there even though I cut and paste here. I depend on support from my sponsors and partners. Please help support them.
I'm also an idiot. I have gopro facing front and back and forgot to press the record on the remote attached to my steering wheel. I'm still kicking myself, so don't pile on.
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The Prima Racing Honda S2000 stole the show at the USTCC race weekend at Laguna Seca, as Andrie Hartanto dominated the top of the time sheets in nearly every session despite driving the least powerful car. On paper, the Honda S2000 is a serious underdog, but Hartanto was able to wheel it for the win.
Saturday – Qualifying
Hartanto was able to secure pole for race qualifying in his debut at USTCC GT class. Hartanto is no stranger to the series, as he was 2009 Champion in the Touring car category.
Saturday – Qualifying Race
USTCC has a unique format where the top 5 for the main race is determined by qualifying race. Starting from pole, Hartanto’s lack of power in the S2000 was evident as he was vaulted by the Performance Technic BMW and slotted into second as they approached Turn 2. Hartanto again proved his grit when he was able to wheel the car to win the qualifying race, establishing his position as the pole man for the main race on Sunday.
Sunday – Race
The grid of the main race is determined by the finishing order of the Qualifying race with Hartanto on pole. The second place is a monster Camaro driven by Karl Chicca. Behind them is a pair of E46 BMW M3.
Even though Hartanto got a good start, he was quickly passed by the Camaro and the BMW into turn 2. However, Hartanto was able to brake late and squeeze down the inside and emerged from Turn 2 as the leader. Performance Technic BMW followed in second and Replay XD BMW in third. Chicca’s Camaro dropped to fourth.
The order never changed and no other passes were made. However, that doesn’t mean that it wasn’t an intense battle. It was clear that the battle’s balance rested completely on the drivers’ level of consistency. “This was a tight one where you can see that if one guy makes a even a minor mistake, they will loose a position. I drove every lap like qualifying,” Hartanto said. “It was really intense! I knew I had to go through traffic really fast without losing my momentum. With the least HP on the field, I can’t afford to lose momentum or the guys will pounce. It was tough racing in GT with TC power to weight!”
Championship points
Hartanto missed the first 2 rounds and unless there are some miraculous developments, he won’t be fighting for the championship. Hartanto contended that the team’s focus is not on points, but rather, race wins.
Next Up
Next round for the USTCC is not until September 6-8 at Sonoma Raceway. To fill the long layoff, Prima Racing will compete in MotoIQ tuner under at Auto Club speedway on August 3–4.
Sponsors
Prima Racing 2013 season is brought to you by CT Engineering, Supertech Performance, Wicked Tuning, Rota Wheels, Carbotech brakes, Hondata, Stitch Tech Designs, Detail Addict, Drastikk Industry, Ignited Soul Apparel, City Tech Autobody, Berk Technology, Blacktrax performance, Exedy clutch and Twincam Motorsports.
Gallery
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I'm also an idiot. I have gopro facing front and back and forgot to press the record on the remote attached to my steering wheel. I'm still kicking myself, so don't pile on.
------------------------------------------------------------
The Prima Racing Honda S2000 stole the show at the USTCC race weekend at Laguna Seca, as Andrie Hartanto dominated the top of the time sheets in nearly every session despite driving the least powerful car. On paper, the Honda S2000 is a serious underdog, but Hartanto was able to wheel it for the win.
Saturday – Qualifying
Hartanto was able to secure pole for race qualifying in his debut at USTCC GT class. Hartanto is no stranger to the series, as he was 2009 Champion in the Touring car category.
Saturday – Qualifying Race
USTCC has a unique format where the top 5 for the main race is determined by qualifying race. Starting from pole, Hartanto’s lack of power in the S2000 was evident as he was vaulted by the Performance Technic BMW and slotted into second as they approached Turn 2. Hartanto again proved his grit when he was able to wheel the car to win the qualifying race, establishing his position as the pole man for the main race on Sunday.
Sunday – Race
The grid of the main race is determined by the finishing order of the Qualifying race with Hartanto on pole. The second place is a monster Camaro driven by Karl Chicca. Behind them is a pair of E46 BMW M3.
Even though Hartanto got a good start, he was quickly passed by the Camaro and the BMW into turn 2. However, Hartanto was able to brake late and squeeze down the inside and emerged from Turn 2 as the leader. Performance Technic BMW followed in second and Replay XD BMW in third. Chicca’s Camaro dropped to fourth.
The order never changed and no other passes were made. However, that doesn’t mean that it wasn’t an intense battle. It was clear that the battle’s balance rested completely on the drivers’ level of consistency. “This was a tight one where you can see that if one guy makes a even a minor mistake, they will loose a position. I drove every lap like qualifying,” Hartanto said. “It was really intense! I knew I had to go through traffic really fast without losing my momentum. With the least HP on the field, I can’t afford to lose momentum or the guys will pounce. It was tough racing in GT with TC power to weight!”
Championship points
Hartanto missed the first 2 rounds and unless there are some miraculous developments, he won’t be fighting for the championship. Hartanto contended that the team’s focus is not on points, but rather, race wins.
Next Up
Next round for the USTCC is not until September 6-8 at Sonoma Raceway. To fill the long layoff, Prima Racing will compete in MotoIQ tuner under at Auto Club speedway on August 3–4.
Sponsors
Prima Racing 2013 season is brought to you by CT Engineering, Supertech Performance, Wicked Tuning, Rota Wheels, Carbotech brakes, Hondata, Stitch Tech Designs, Detail Addict, Drastikk Industry, Ignited Soul Apparel, City Tech Autobody, Berk Technology, Blacktrax performance, Exedy clutch and Twincam Motorsports.
Gallery
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,380
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From: Arizona
really nice work! Impressive how you overcame the HP:weight difference. If you end up finding some video from people that were behind you 
, let us know!
How many more races in GT do you plan to do?
Any plans to up the HP?
, let us know! How many more races in GT do you plan to do?
Any plans to up the HP?
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,108
Likes: 2
From: Concord, CA
I'm hunting for the video! Trust me. LOL.
Yes, I was not expecting the results, given MRLS is more HP track. It was a nice surprise. I didn't get the fastest lap on the main race. In fact I got 3rd fastest lap. But it was enough best average lap time that enabled me to stay in front. I did get fastest lap during Quali race.
I'm taking it per race basis. It is all depends on my sponsors and partners. I currently don't have tire partner since I didn't plan to race in open tire series. Hopefully I can put something together soon and commit to the rest of the schedule.
I would love to hear any comments on how to get HP without affecting reliability too much. Engine currently stock, with just bolt ons.
Yes, I was not expecting the results, given MRLS is more HP track. It was a nice surprise. I didn't get the fastest lap on the main race. In fact I got 3rd fastest lap. But it was enough best average lap time that enabled me to stay in front. I did get fastest lap during Quali race.
I'm taking it per race basis. It is all depends on my sponsors and partners. I currently don't have tire partner since I didn't plan to race in open tire series. Hopefully I can put something together soon and commit to the rest of the schedule.
I would love to hear any comments on how to get HP without affecting reliability too much. Engine currently stock, with just bolt ons.
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Thread Starter
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From: Concord, CA
